Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/532497
left: From tulips and goblets to snifters and steins, Hopleaf serves its draught beers in custom glasses suited to bring out optimum flavor. below: Map Room lives up to its name, with travel books and beers from all over the world. Beer as Food Chicago brewer Jared Rouben puts his gastronomic training to good use with his "culinary beers." "Beer is just another form of food," says Jared Rouben, the brewmaster at upstart Pilsen brewery Moody Tongue Brewing Company. "If anything, it's quite similar to baking. I wouldn't be the first person to say this, but beer is just liquid bread." With that in mind, the 33-year-old Louisville native creates "culinary beers" by introducing fresh produce, herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers—from watermelon and tangerines to baking chocolate, chili peppers, and peas—to the traditional ingredients of beer. Rouben's interest in beer was first piqued while at the Culinary Institute of America, where he started a beer club; after working in restaurants like Martini House in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York City, he got into brewing, which he approached like a chef by sourcing ingredients and incorporating them into his brews. Since opening Moody Tongue last summer, Rouben has been turning out unique brews such as Steeped Emperor's Lemon Saison, Sliced Nectarine IPA, and Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner. "For us it's about coming through on what we advertise," says Rouben, a Pilsen resident. "You'll taste nectarine, but it won't be too sweet. You will find these fruits on the nose and the palate as well. When you see a beer name, it should give you all the answers about what's in the bottle. We like that transparency." 2136 S. Peoria St., 312-600-5111; moodytongue.com Map Room With its world-map-adorned walls, back issues of National Geographic, and high-backed stools, it would be tough to find a serious beer bar that is more worn-in, laid-back, and relaxing. 1949 N. Hoyne Ave., 773-252-7636; maproom.com Lagunitas Brewing Company TapRoom Wednesday through Sunday, this cavernous spot offers rare beers and live music from some of Chicago's best roots and blues performers, such as Sanctified Grumblers and Jimmy Johnson. 2607 W. 17th St., 773-522-2097; lagunitas.com/taproom Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar The sexy, candlelit bar in back boasts a vintage beer-can collection (think Schmidt's and Iron City Beer) that spills out into the hallway, patio, and even the restrooms, while the retail store in front offers great beers on your way out. 960 W. 31st St., 773-890-0588; community-bar.com "Chicago was such a macrobrewing town for the longest time. The farm-to- table movement happened, and beer goes hand in hand with that. People expect more, because the bar has been raised." — jason klein illustrations by istock michiganavemag.com 123